Rapid deployment communication tile

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments are described that relate to a rapid deployment communications tile. As opposed to running various data and/or power wires, a construction crew can use set of tiles that have built in data and/or power transmission capabilities. These tiles can be keyed such that they interlock together to form a relatively uniform surface, such that the surface can also be used as a floor. Further, the tiles can have hardware components that enable the data and/or power transmission capabilities. These hardware components can be environmentally protected such that their performance is not subject to environmental factors.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S.application Ser. No. 14/620,707 filed on Feb. 12, 2015. U.S. applicationSer. No. 14/620,707 is hereby incorporated by reference.

GOVERNMENT INTEREST

The innovation described herein may be manufactured, used, imported,sold, and licensed by or for the Government of the United States ofAmerica without the payment of any royalty thereon or therefor.

BACKGROUND

In a modern environment, electrical power and data communication can beassets in achieving a goal. In one example, a speaker can speak at apodium on a stage. Electrical power can be used to provide lighting forthe speaker and to provide sound amplification through a microphone andspeaker system. Similarly, data communication can be used to have apresentation transferred from a personal electronics device of thespeaker to a projector. When the speaker speaks at a permanent structurethe goal can be easily achieved due to access to the electrical powerand data communication. However, in a non-permanent structure theseassets can be more difficult to obtain.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a system comprises a first tile that comprises aconduit and an engagement portion. The conduit can transmit a media uponthe first tile. The engagement mechanism can cause the conduit tooperatively couple with a second tile such that the media travels uponthe conduit of the first tile in connection with travelling upon thesecond tile.

In one embodiment, a system comprises a supply tile, an access tile, anda transmission tile. The supply tile can be configured to supply amedia. The access tile can be configured to afford access to the media.The transmission tile can be configured to transmit the media suppliedby the supply tile to the access tile. The supply tile and thetransmission tile can be operatively coupled together and interconnectwith one another in a keyed manner. The transmission tile and the accesstile can be operatively coupled together and interconnect with oneanother in a keyed manner.

In one embodiment, a system comprises a recognition component, ananalysis component, and an identification component. The recognitioncomponent can recognize a situation where a transmission failure occursin a tile environment, where the tile environment transmits media fromone location of the tile environment to another and where the tileenvironment is a plurality of interlocking tiles that are operativelycoupled to one another. The analysis component can analyze the tileenvironment to produce an analysis result. The identification componentcan identify a failure tile of the tile environment that causes thetransmission failure, where the failure is identified through use of theanalysis result. The recognition component, the analysis component, theidentification component, or a combination thereof can be implemented,at least in part, by way of non-software.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Incorporated herein are drawings that constitute a part of thespecification and illustrate embodiments of the detailed description.The detailed description will now be described further with reference tothe accompanying drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a system comprising a supply tile,three access tiles, and a transmission tile;

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the transmission tile, a top viewof a knob, and a side view of the knob;

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of an unprotected channel, a protectedchannel, a receptor environment, and a connector environment;

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a connection environment and anextender;

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a system comprising a conduit andan engagement mechanism;

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a system comprising a recognitioncomponent, an analysis component, and an identification component;

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a system comprising the recognitioncomponent, the analysis component, the identification component, and aclassification component;

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a system comprising a processor anda computer-readable medium;

FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of a method comprising four actions;and

FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a method comprising five actions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In a battlefield tactical situation, power and data can be valuableresources. In one example, a combatant force can take control of astrategically important hill. It can be beneficial for a command groupto establish a headquarters at the top of the hill since the hill canprovide a valuable field of vision for commanders. To make adequatedecisions, the headquarters can have power, data, and telephonecapabilities that allow information to be sent and received. With thecomplexity of modern technology, it can be a difficult process toindividually place wires for the headquarters.

With employment of a set of rapid deployment communications tiles theheadquarters can be quickly and securely created in a relatively shortamount of time. These tiles can be fabricated with conduits for transferof power, data, and other capabilities. These tiles can link together tocreate a tile environment where power, data, and other resources cantravel from a source (e.g., a generator) to a destination (e.g., anelectrical outlet) without exposed wires from the source to thedestination.

A designer can determine a configuration for a set of tiles and the setof tiles can be placed together into the configuration. If theconfiguration is not found to be suitable, then individual tiles can bemoved and/or exchanged such that a new configuration is used. Thus, atile environment can fit specific needs of a situation, terrain, etc.

Further, various safety and maintenance features can be exploited byusing the rapid deployment communication tiles. The tiles can haveconduits within them that interlink together. An outer material of thetiles can protect the conduits from environmental elements. Also, sincethe conduits are within the tiles, the conduits do not pose a trippinghazard or other hazards such as dangers from exposed power cables.Therefore, the tile environment provides a safe environment that can bequickly constructed and deconstructed.

The following includes definitions of selected terms employed herein.The definitions include various examples. The examples are not intendedto be limiting.

“One embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “one example”, “an example”, and soon, indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) can include aparticular feature, structure, characteristic, property, or element, butthat not every embodiment or example necessarily includes thatparticular feature, structure, characteristic, property or element.Furthermore, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment” may or maynot refer to the same embodiment.

“Computer-readable medium”, as used herein, refers to a medium thatstores signals, instructions and/or data. Examples of acomputer-readable medium include, but are not limited to, non-volatilemedia and volatile media. Non-volatile media may include, for example,optical disks, magnetic disks, and so on. Volatile media may include,for example, semiconductor memories, dynamic memory, and so on. Commonforms of a computer-readable medium may include, but are not limited to,a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, othermagnetic medium, other optical medium, a Random Access Memory (RAM), aRead-Only Memory (ROM), a memory chip or card, a memory stick, and othermedia from which a computer, a processor or other electronic device canread. In one embodiment, the computer-readable medium is anon-transitory computer-readable medium.

“Component”, as used herein, includes but is not limited to hardware,firmware, software stored on a computer-readable medium or in executionon a machine, and/or combinations of each to perform a function(s) or anaction(s), and/or to cause a function or action from another component,method, and/or system. Component may include a software controlledmicroprocessor, a discrete component, an analog circuit, a digitalcircuit, a programmed logic device, a memory device containinginstructions, and so on. Where multiple components are described, it maybe possible to incorporate the multiple components into one physicalcomponent or conversely, where a single component is described, it maybe possible to distribute that single component between multiplecomponents. The term component can be interchangeable and have the samemeaning as the term module.

“Software”, as used herein, includes but is not limited to, one or moreexecutable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium that causea computer, processor, or other electronic device to perform functions,actions and/or behave in a desired manner. The instructions may beembodied in various forms including routines, algorithms, methods,threads, and/or programs including separate applications or code fromdynamically linked libraries.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a system 100 comprising a supplytile 110, three access tiles 120, and a transmission tile 130. Thetransmission tile 130 and the access tile 120 can be operatively coupledtogether and interconnect with one another in a keyed manner. Inaddition, the supply tile 110 and the transmission tile 130 can beoperatively coupled together and interconnect with one another in akeyed manner. Additionally, the supply tile 110 and an access tile 120can be operatively coupled together and interconnect with one another ina keyed manner. Interconnections as described can lead to the supplytile 110, the access tile 120, and the transmission tile 130 forming asubstantially flat floor surface as a tile environment. The tiles110-130 can be made of a material, such as a strong rubber composite,that allows for the tiles to be used as a floor (e.g., strong enough tohave a truck drive upon the floor without functional damage to the tiles110-130).

The supply tile 110 can be configured to supply a media (e.g., power,data, telephone, other), such as supplying the media to other tiles(e.g., directly to the transmission tile 130 and ultimately to theaccess tile 120). This supplying can be done through wiring. In oneexample, the supply tile 110 can connect to a source for the media(e.g., a generator that provides the power) such as by way of anillustrated connection point. The connection points that are illustratedcan be on a top, side, and/or bottom of the supply tile 110 (e.g., apart that is not configured to interlock with another tile).

The access tile 120 can be configured to afford access to the media. Asshown, the access tile 120 can have a series of plugs that allow forpower access. In addition, the access tile 120 can have jacks thatenable use of data and/or telephone communication. The plugs and/orjacks can be on the tile's top, bottom, or on flat edge. The access tile120 can have a wireless emitter that facilitates wireless access topower, data, or telephone capabilities.

The transmission tile 130 can be configured to transmit the mediasupplied by the supply tile 110 to the access tile 120. The transmissiontile 130 can function as a go between for the supply tile 110 and theaccess tile 120. Multiple transmission tiles can chain together suchthat the supply tile 110 and the access tile 120 are relatively farapart from one another. As part of being chained together, keyedportions of the tiles can interlock to create a uniform surface even ifthis surface is not level.

It is to be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that FIG. 1illustrates but one possible configuration of the system 100. In oneexample, an end tile can be used such that the system does not have akeyed edge. In another example, the tiles 110-120 may have more than onekeyed side while the transmission tile 130 can have less than four keyedsides. Further, tiles can be multi-functional—in one example the accesstile 120 can function as a transmission tile 130 as well such thatanother connected tile can afford access.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the transmission tile 130, a topview of a knob 200 a and a side view of the knob 200 b. The transmissiontile 130 can have connectors 210, engagement portions 220, and channels230. While multiple of these are illustrated, it is to be appreciated byone of ordinary skill in the art that a tile may have but one of each,such as one connector 210. The connectors 210 can function such thatthey connect with connectors of other tiles and/or channels of othertiles (e.g., the supply tile 110 of FIG. 1 and/or the access tile 120 ofFIG. 1) so that the tiles are operatively coupled to one another.Connection of the connectors 210 with one another or other channels canbe controlled by the engagement portions 220.

The engagement portions 220 can cause the transmission tile 130 tooperatively couple with the supply tile 110 of FIG. 1 (e.g., by way ofthe left connectors 210) and the access tile 120 of FIG. 1 (e.g., by wayof the upper connectors 210) such that they function together as onepathway and are environmentally sealed. Further, the engagement portions220 can function as disengagement portions that cause the transmissiontile 130 to operatively dis-couple with the supply tile 110 of FIG. 1and/or the access tile 120 of FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the individualengagement portion 220 can be a handle, a screw (e.g., manipulated by anoutside tool such as a screwdriver), or the knob 200 (illustrated byviews 200 a and 200 b) that is manipulated by a user (e.g., a firstposition for engagement and a second position for disengagement). Theengagement portions 220 can have access to a door or cover such that theengagement portions 220 are not exposed when not in use (e.g., a doorthat allows for access from the top of the transmission tile 130) so asnot to create a tripping hazard. Also, the engagement portions 220 canbe in a compartment that is environmentally sealed (e.g., when not inuse). In one embodiment, the engagement portions 220 and/or theconnectors 210 can be a magnetic unit that can couple when twoconnectors (e.g., one connector 210) contact one another and/or a signalis received for the magnetics to connect. In one embodiment, theconnectors 210 are held within the channels 230 and when one of theengagement portions 220 is engaged, the connectors 210 extrude out fromthe channels 230 (e.g., this is limited to when the channels 230 arecorrectly aligned with other channels of another tile such thatoperative coupling occurs). In one embodiment, the channels 230 can haveone end with the connectors 210 and one end able to receive a connectorof another channel from another tile.

The channels 230 can be hardware elements that are used for transmissionof the media. The channels 230 can function as a pathway that transfersthe media from the supply tile 110 of FIG. 1 to the access tile 120 ofFIG. 1 and can be part of these tiles as well. The channels 230 can alsofunction to transfer the media from the access tile 120 of FIG. 1 to thesupply tile 110 of FIG. 1. In this example, two-way media communicationcan occur between a server connected to the supply tile 110 of FIG. 1and a terminal that gains access to the server by way of the access tile120 of FIG. 1. The channels 230 can be made of such a material (e.g.,plastic) that they do not corrode in the presence of salt and thetransmission tile 130 can be used when heavy salt is expected (e.g., asnowy area where salt is used to de-ice roads).

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of an unprotected channel 310, aprotected channel 320, a receptor environment 330, and a connectorenvironment 340. The channels 310 and 320 can individually function asthe channel 230 of FIG. 2 and can engage with one another or withsimilar channels (e.g., the unprotected channel 310 can engage with theprotected channel 320 that is part of another tile). The channels 310and 320 can have different cables, such as a power cable, an analogtelephone cable, two different data cables (e.g., Ethernet cables andfiber optic cables), and a cable for other media types. In one example,the media comprises power and data and in turn the channels 310 and 320comprise a data cable that transmits the data and a power cable thattransmits the power. The protected channel 320 can comprise an outerlayer that environmentally seals the data cable and the power cable.Further, the channels 310 and 320 can be surrounded by an outer materialof the transmission tile 130 of FIG. 1 with the exception of endinterconnection portions of the conduit (e.g., the connectors 210 ofFIG. 2) which can go outside the material (e.g., when instructed). Thiscan be in addition to the outer layer of the protected channel 320 or bethe outer layer.

For the channels 310 and 320 the upper right black block can be forother media while the upper two cables can be for analog telephone. Theleft-central eight cables can be for one Ethernet pathway while theright-central eight cables can be for a different Ethernet pathway. Thelower three cables can be for power. While the channels 310 and 320 areshown as having multiple capabilities (e.g., power and analogtelephone), it is to be appreciated that the channel can be dedicated toone capability and/or the transmission tile 130 of FIG. 1 can havemultiple channels with each channel dedicated to a capability.

Two of the channels 310 (or 320) can engage with one another as shown bythe interaction of the receptor environment 330 (female end) and aconnector environment 340 (male end). The connector environment 340 caninclude the connector 210 of FIG. 2 in addition to the channel 230 ofFIG. 2. The environments show pins, receptors for reception of the pins,the outer layer, a flexible material between the outer layer and theconnector, chamfers that extend from the connector, and a flex point(e.g., a flex point that allows for connection on uneven surfaces). Thechannels 310 or 320 can include the connectors 210 of FIG. 2 that arerecessed before engagement and, once the portion 220 of FIG. 2 isengaged, are no longer recessed and form an environmental seal withanother channel of tile. To help facilitate interconnection of channelsphysical guides, such as rails, can be used to make quick connection.These environments 330 and 340 illustrate how channels from twodifferent tiles (e.g., two transmission tiles 130 of FIG. 1, thetransmission tile 130 of FIG. 1 and the access tile 120 of FIG. 1) canengage with one another (e.g., engage in response to a command from theengagement portion 220 of FIG. 2). When engaged with one another, thechannels can form into one channel that is environmentally sealed (e.g.,through use of one or more connectors 210 of FIG. 2).

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a connection environment 410 and anextender 420. The connection environment 410 has a lever 430 (e.g., anexample engagement portion 220) between the two channels 230 tofacilitate engagement of the two transmission tiles 130 and in turn theengagement of appropriate channels 230. The two transmission tiles 130and the extender 420 can have their own keyed portions 440 to facilitateengagement and/or flush interconnection of tiles. The extender 420 canbe used to make allowances for a tile configuration when appropriate.

The extender 420, along with other tiles, can include a keyed portion440 along with a non-keyed portion. The non-keyed portion can be along atop, bottom, or edge. This non-keyed portion, as well as the keyedportion, can include ports that allow for access to the channels 230. Aport can be a connection point that allows a channel to be tappeddown-path. This channel tapping can be for input and/or output. In oneexample, returning to FIG. 1, the supply tile 110 of FIG. 1 can supplytelephone and power, the transmission tile 130 of FIG. 1 can include atelephone channel and a power channel, and the access tile 120 of FIG. 1can enable access to telephone and power capabilities. The transmissiontile 130 of FIG. 1 can include two ports—one for telephone and one forpower. The telephone port can enable use of the telephone channel whilestill allowing access at the access tile 120 of FIG. 1. Similarly, thepower port can be connected to a back-up generator to supply power incase of a failure with the supply tile 110 of FIG. 1 and/or a generatorconnected to the supply tile 110 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a system 500 comprising a conduit510 and an engagement mechanism 520. The system 500 can be a first tile(e.g., the supply tile 110 of FIG. 1, the access tile 120 of FIG. 1, orthe transmission tile 130 of FIG. 1). The conduit 510 (e.g., the channel230 of FIG. 2) can transmit a media upon the first tile (e.g., across atleast part of the first tile, to the first tile, and/or from the firsttile). The engagement mechanism 520 (e.g., the engagement portion 220 ofFIG. 2) can cause the conduit 510 to operatively couple with a secondtile (e.g., a conduit of the second tile by way of a connector of atleast one of the conduits) and cause the conduit 510 to operativelydis-couple from the second tile (e.g., dis-couple with the conduit ofthe second tile by way of the connector of at least one of theconduits). The second tile can comprise an external access portion thatenables access to the media through the second tile (e.g., be the accesstile 120 of FIG. 1), can comprise a supply portion that supplies themedia to the first tile (e.g., be the supply tile 110 of FIG. 1), or canbe the transmission tile 130 of FIG. 1. This operative coupling can besuch that the media travels upon the conduit 510 of the first tile inconnection with travelling upon the second tile.

The conduit 510 can be a first conduit while the second tile comprises asecond conduit that transmits the media across the second tile. Theengagement mechanism 520 can function such that the first conduit andthe second conduit engage with one another. Engaging with one anotherincludes functioning into a single pathway that stretches multiple tilesupon which the media can travel. In this, the media can travel acrossthe first conduit and the second conduit in series (e.g., media flowsthrough the first conduit and then the second conduit with or withoutstill flowing through the first conduit).

The media can be, for example, data, power, or analog telephone. In oneembodiment, the conduit 510 can retain a cable dedicated to a mediatype. With this, the conduit 510 can retain a data cable that transmitsthe data, a power cable that transmits the power, and an analogtelephone cable that transmits analog telephone information. Thesecables can be environmentally sealed by an outer layer of the conduit510 and in turn be protected from outside elements to which the firsttile may be exposed. The seal can be at the cable-level so a cable hasits own seal or done at the conduit-level such that the conduit 510physically retains the cables and protection of the conduit 510 leads toprotection of the cables.

The first tile and the second tile can interconnect with one another toform a substantially flat surface. The first tile and the second tilecan be keyed such that the first tile and second tile fit together whenthe first conduit and second conduit align and such that the first tileand second tile do not fit together when the first conduit and secondconduit do not align. With this, tiles can be specifically designed in amanner similar to that of a puzzle. The keying can be so that the tilesonly fit together when correct alignment occurs and this should makeconstruction of the tile environment easier.

Using the transmission tile 130 as illustrated in FIG. 2 as an example,the channels 230 of FIG. 2 are shown as being able to extrude out theleft and the top side by way of the connectors 210 of FIG. 2 while thelower and right sides can be receiver area that can receive connectorsof another tile (although this is one configuration and in anotherconfiguration the channels can extrude out of a different number ofsides such as all four sides and the connectors interlock in a mannerdifferent than male and female such as through flat contact). To putanother way, the upper and left sides of the transmission tile 130 ofFIG. 2 can be male ends while the right and lower sides of the tile 130of FIG. 2 can be female ends. If one were to try to align two male ends,then the keying of the tiles would not align together and therefore thetiles would not fit in an interconnected manner to form a substantiallyflat surface. This would indicate to a construction team member thatorientation of the second tile should be changed.

The system 500 also comprises a housing 530 that can be, in oneembodiment, a rubber material that protects the conduit 510 such thatthe conduit 510 is not exposed on the top, bottom, and/or at least oneside surface of the first tile. The first tile and the second tile canbe floor tiles that when interconnected create a floor surface. Thefloor tiles can be strong enough to withstand foot traffic as well astruck/transit traffic without damaging or impacting success of theconduit 510. While illustrated with a housing that protects the top andbottom, it is to be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art thatthe system 500 can function absent such a housing.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a system 600 comprising arecognition component 610, an analysis component 620, and anidentification component 630. The recognition component 610 canrecognize a situation where a transmission failure occurs in a tileenvironment (e.g., the system 100 of FIG. 1). The analysis component 620can analyze the tile environment to produce an analysis result. Theidentification component 630 can identify a failure tile of the tileenvironment that causes the transmission failure, where the failure isidentified through use of the analysis result. The tile environment cancomprise a plurality of interlocking tiles that form a floor-basedenvironment. These tiles are operatively coupled to one another and canbe used to transmit media from one location of the tile environment(e.g., the supply tile 110 of FIG. 1) to another (e.g., the access tile120 of FIG. 1).

In one embodiment, the tile environment can be a plurality of floortiles with some tiles being supply tiles, some tiles being transmissiontiles, and some tiles being access tiles. A user can attempt to accesspower from a specific access tile and the power can be unavailable. Theuser can send in a failure notification to the system 600 and therecognition component 610 can recognize from this request that a failureto deliver power to the specific access tile occurs. The analysiscomponent 620 can perform diagnostic evaluations on the tileenvironment, such as through sending and receiving test signals, andprocess the results. The identification component 630 can interpretthese results and determine why the failure occurs. In this example, thetest signals can indicate that when the signals reach a specific floortile, the signals do not exit that floor tile. The identificationcomponent 630 can determine through internal logic that this means thatthe specific floor tile is not functioning correctly. With thissituation, the identification component 630 or another component can tryto correct the failing tile or send a notification for a constructioncrew member to fix or replace the failing tile.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a system 700 comprising therecognition component 610, the analysis component 620, theidentification component 630, and a classification component 710. Theclassification component 710 can classify a type of the failure tile(e.g., from among access tile-type, transmission tile-type, or supplytile-type), where the failure tile is replaceable with a replacementtile of the type. In one example, the classification component 710 candetermine that the failure tile is a transmission tile. A communicationcomponent or the identification component 630 can notify a centralserver of the failure and of the type so a construction crew memberknows what type of tile is to be replaced (e.g., replace a transmissiontile with another transmission tile as opposed to a different tiletype).

Replacement of the tile can be performed by the construction crew memberthrough use of a mechanism (the engagement mechanism 520 of FIG. 5). Thecrew member can place the mechanism in a first position to operativelyde-couple the failure tile from the tile environment. The crew membercan then remove the failure tile and replace the failure tile with thereplacement tile. With the replacement tile in place the crew member canplace the mechanism in a second position to operatively couple thereplacement tile to the tile environment. This can be done on multipletiles (e.g., the replacement tile and a tile that connects to thereplacement tile). In one embodiment, mechanisms on both tiles areengaged for coupling to occur while in another embodiment just onemechanism is engaged for coupling.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a system 800 comprising a processor810 and a computer-readable medium 820 (e.g., non-transitorycomputer-readable medium). In one embodiment, the computer-readablemedium 820 is communicatively coupled to the processor 810 and stores acommand set executable by the processor 810 to facilitate operation ofat least one component disclosed herein (e.g., the recognition component610 of FIG. 6). In one embodiment, at least one component disclosedherein (e.g., the analysis component 620 of FIG. 6) can be implemented,at least in part, by way of non-software, such as implemented ashardware by way of the system 800. In one embodiment, thecomputer-readable medium 820 is configured to store processor-executableinstructions that when executed by the processor 810 cause the processor810 to perform a method disclosed herein (e.g., the methods 900-1000addressed below).

FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of a method 900 comprising fouractions 910-940. The method 900 can be how the engagement mechanism 520of FIG. 5 functions, such as when the mechanism is a componentcontrolled magnet apparatus that may or may not include a controllercomponent that controls the mechanism. At 910 an engagement instructionis identified and at 920 the instruction is followed such thatengagement occurs. At 930 a dis-engagement instruction is identified andat 940 the instruction is followed such that dis-engagement occurs. Inone embodiment, once two tiles are properly aligned (e.g., are flushwith one another and their keys correctly interlock) they canproactively (e.g., automatically) engage (e.g., have their conduitsfunction as one pathway). The mechanism can be a button that causesdis-engagement from this situation. This button can cause dis-engagementfor all tiles of the tile environment or a select tile set (e.g., one ormore tiles) so that other functionality remains.

A plurality of tiles can be connected to create the tile environment. Inone example, each time a tile is keyed with another tile, engagement oftile channels occurs. In another example, when a tile is completelysurrounded or is not anticipated to have another tile connected,engagement of the tile channel(s) then occurs for that tile. In yetanother example, tiles can be interlocked together and once in place acommand can be sent causing all connectors to simultaneously engage withother channels to create the environmentally protected pathways. A tilecan include a component that determines if a tile is connected at acertain end and if the tile is not connected then the connector remainswithin the channel so as not to environmentally expose the channeland/or the connector. If the tile is connected at a certain end, then aconnector of the tile can engage and form a pathway with another tile.

FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a method 1000 comprising fiveactions 1010-1050. The method 1000 can function on how to identify atile failure. Data can be collected at 1010 and analyzed at 1020 thatpertains to operation of the tile environment. At 1030 a check can bemade on if a failure occurs. If no failure occurs then more data can becollected and as more data is collected more analysis can be performed.If there is a failure, then the failure can be identified at 1040 andinformation about the failure can be communicated at 1050. The method1000 can identify what tile fails, but also why a tile fails. In oneexample, a time-stamp for the failure can be identified at 1030 and 1040and this time-stamp can be aligned with when a strong force was placedon the tile (e.g., a piece of equipment was dropped as opposed to placeddown gently). This can signify that the tile environment should not besubjected to the strong force in the future. Further, the method 1000can include correction of the failure, such as an attempt to reroutedata through available channels.

The tile environment can be built by a construction crew over anexisting floor or over a non-uniform surface (e.g., the tiles can bendto match curvature of the non-uniform surface or the tiles shift if sandunderneath the tiles moves without causing disconnection of channelsfrom one another). The tile environment can be placed, as examples, inan open air environment (e.g., outside on the ground exposed to theelements), in a vehicle, within a wall, or within a ceiling tile. A setof tiles can be transported and this can be easier logistically sinceindividual cables may not be transported (or less cables may betransported) since cables are integrated into the tiles (e.g., tileshave pre-fabricated conduits built-in). This can reduce constructiontime, manpower requirements (e.g., less number of workers and/or lessskilled workers), and build complexities.

Further, the tile environment can be multi-dimensional. In one example,a number of the tiles can be floor tiles, but some tiles can connect inan elbow manner to sit 90 degrees from the floor tiles. In this example,access tiles can be at the 90 degree position to simulate wall outletsand/or partition outlets and thus function as a wall or partition. Withthis, the connectors 210 of FIG. 2 can connect in various directions(e.g., with channels directly across from the channels 230 of FIG. 2 orwith channels perpendicular to the channels 230 of FIG. 2). In anotherexample, an entire room or parts of a room can be made of tilesincluding floor, walls, and a ceiling. The tiles can be uniform or varyin size, depth, etc.

Tiles disclosed herein can include hinges. These hinges can be used toaid in the tiles fitting along non-uniform spaces. In addition, thesehinges can be used to transition a tile environment from a floor portionto a wall portion. A tile itself can have one or more hinge portionsand/or tiles can interconnect such that the interconnection can behinged. This hinging can be such that in various positions environmentalprotection is maintained, such as through use of a flexible cover.

While the methods disclosed herein are shown and described as a seriesof blocks, it is to be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the artthat the methods are not restricted by the order of the blocks, as someblocks can take place in different orders. Similarly, a block canoperate concurrently with at least one other block.

What is claimed is:
 1. A first tile, comprising: a conduit thattransmits a media; an external access portion that enables direct accessto the media from the conduit to a non-tile; and a rubber-based outerlayer configured to environmentally seal the conduit of the first tilewhen the first tile is operatively coupled at a first location with thesecond tile and at a second location with a third tile, where the firsttile and a second tile interconnect with one another to form asubstantially flat surface, where a conduit of the second tile transmitsthe media across the second tile, where the conduit of the first tileand the conduit of the second tile engage with one another, where themedia travels across the conduit of the first tile and the conduit ofthe second tile in series, where the outer layer of the first tile andan outer layer of the second tile are keyed such that the first tile andsecond tile fit together when the conduit of the first tile and theconduit of the second tile align and such that the first tile and secondtile do not fit together when the conduit of the first tile and theconduit of the second tile do not align, and where the outer layer ofthe first tile and an outer layer of a third tile are keyed such thatthe first tile and third tile fit together when the conduit of the firsttile and the conduit of the third tile align and such that the firsttile and third tile do not fit together when the conduit of the firsttile and the conduit of the third tile do not align.
 2. The first tileof claim 1, where the media comprises data and power, where the conduitcomprises a data cable that transmits the data; a power cable thattransmits the power; and a rubber-based outer layer that environmentallyseals the data cable and the power cable.
 3. The first tile of claim 2,where the media comprises telephone communication, where the conduitcomprises a telephone cable that transmits the telephone communication.4. The first tile of claim 2, where the conduit of the first tile andthe conduit of the second tile engage with one another by way of thedata cable engaging with a data cable of the second tile and the powercable engaging with a power cable of the second tile when the first tileand second tile are keyed together.
 5. The first tile of claim 1,comprising: a top side; a bottom side; and an edge side between the topside and the bottom side, where the conduit is not exposed on the bottomside of the first tile, where the external access portion affords accessby way of the top side of the first tile, where a second tile accessesthe first tile by way of the edge side.
 6. The first tile of claim 1,comprising: an engagement mechanism configured to cause extension of aconnector, that is part of the conduit, from within the first tile tooutside of the first tile and into the conduit of the second tile. 7.The first tile of claim 1, where the conduit of the first tile and theconduit of the second tile engage with one another in response to anengagement mechanism being placed in a first position.
 8. The first tileof claim 1, comprising: an engagement mechanism, where the conduit ofthe first tile and the conduit of the second tile engage with oneanother in response to the engagement mechanism being placed in a firstposition, where the conduit of the first tile and the conduit of thesecond tile disengage with one another in response to the engagementmechanism being placed in a second position different from the firstposition, and where the conduit comprises a data cable, a power cable,and a telephone cable.
 9. A transmission tile, comprising: a channelcomprising a data cable configured to transmit data and a power cableconfigured to transmit power; an outer layer configured toenvironmentally seal the data cable and the power cable; a transmissiontile top side; a transmission tile bottom side; and a transmission tileedge side between the transmission tile top side and the transmissiontile bottom side, where the outer layer is configured to interconnectwith an outer layer of a supply tile in a keyed manner, where outerlayer is configured to interconnect with an outer layer of an accesstile in a keyed manner, where the outer layer is a rubber composite,where the supply tile comprises a supply tile top side, a supply tilebottom side, and a supply tile edge side between the supply tile topside and the supply tile bottom side, where the supply tile isconfigured to receive the power and the data from a first non-tile whenthe channel is operatively coupled to a channel of the supply tile,where the channel of the transmission tile and the channel of the supplytile are configured to couple by way of their respective edge sides,where the supply tile receives the power and the data from the supplytile top side where the access tile comprises an access tile top side,an access tile bottom side, and an access tile edge side between theaccess tile top side and the access tile bottom side, where the accesstile is configured to provide external access of the data and the powerto a non-tile when the channel is operatively coupled to a channel ofthe access tile, where the channel of the transmission tile and thechannel of the access tile are configured to couple by way of theirrespective edge sides, and where the access tile provides access to thepower and the data from the access tile top side.
 10. The transmissiontile of claim 9, where the supply tile, the access tile, and thetransmission tile, at least when operatively coupled together, form asubstantially flat floor surface.
 11. The transmission tile of claim 9,where the channel comprises a telephone cable configured to transmittelephone communication, where the outer layer is configured toenvironmentally seal the telephone cable, where the supply tile isconfigured to receive the telephone from the first non-tile when thechannel is operatively coupled to the channel of the supply tile, wherethe supply tile receives the telephone communication from the supplytile top side, and where the access tile provides access to thetelephone communication from the access tile top side.
 12. Thetransmission tile of claim 9, comprising: a flex point configured toallow for connection with the supply tile and the access tile on anuneven surface.
 13. A transmission tile, comprising: a channelcomprising a data cable configured to transmit data and a power cableconfigured to transmit power; and an outer layer configured toenvironmentally seal the data cable and the power cable, where the outerlayer is configured to interconnect with an outer layer of a supply tilein a keyed manner; where outer layer is configured to interconnect withan outer layer of an access tile in a keyed manner, where when the outerlayer of the transmission tile interconnects with the outer layer of thesupply tile, the channel proactively operatively couples with a channelof the supply tile, and where when the outer layer of the transmissiontile interconnects with the outer layer of the access tile, the channelproactively operatively couples with a channel of the access tile. 14.The transmission tile of claim 13, where the outer layer is a rubbercomposite.
 15. The transmission tile of claim 13, where the channelproactively operatively couples with the channel of the supply tilethrough male-female configuration.
 16. The transmission tile of claim15, where the channel proactively operatively couples with the channelof the access tile through male-female configuration.
 17. Thetransmission tile of claim 13, where the channel proactively operativelycouples with the channel of the access tile through male-femaleconfiguration.
 18. The transmission tile of claim 13, where the supplytile, the access tile, and the transmission tile, at least whenoperatively coupled together, form a substantially flat floor surface.19. The transmission tile of claim 13, comprising: a flex pointconfigured to allow for connection with the supply tile and the accesstile on an uneven surface.
 20. The first tile of claim 19, where theconduit of the first tile and the conduit of the second tile disengagewith one another in response to the engagement mechanism being placed ina second position different from the first position.